Second Time Around • SB19 Ken [On-going]

CHAPTER 2

My eyes widened with the sudden realization. Long and straight shiny hair, beautiful almost thin lips, and almond eyes. I suddenly remembered what she looked like that night. Even her voice, it echoed inside my head.

The more I stare at her, the more that I see the resemblance of her and the woman that I'm with that night. So, she's a teacher. I didn't expect it.

I know that she's also looking at me. At base sa kaniyang reaksyon, mukhang siya nga ang babaeng 'yon. Siya ang kasama ko nung gabing 'yon.

"Ken,"

"Ha?"

I looked at my members confused when they called my name. Pati sila ay mukhang naguguluhan din sa inaakto ko.

"Mukhang busy kasi atang makipag interact si sir Ken sa ating audience." Segue ng host. Nag cheer naman ang mga tao.

"Sorry, sorry," I apologized.

Nag focus na lang muna ako sa event at iwinaksi ang kanina pa bumabagabag sa aking isip. Matapos kong makipag participate sa usapan ay bumalik ang tingin ko sa pwesto ng babaeng nakita ko kanina, pero wala na siya doon.

I need to know what is her intention, kailangan kong makasiguro na wala siyang binabalak na hindi maganda sa akin o sa grupo namin. Ayaw kong magsimula ng gulo na ikakasira ng image ko o ng isa sa amin. Kaya habang maaga pa, pipigilan ko na.

Pinabalik muna kami sa backstage dahil itutuloy muna nila ang program ng event, babalik pa naman ulit kami mamaya para mag perform as the closing act. Kaya for sure, tutuloy muna kami sa isang lugar na tahimik para makapag pahinga. Perhaps we'll stay on COED building's faculty room again. Ang building kasi ng department na 'yon ang pinaka malapit sa gym.

"Sa holding area raw muna ulit tayo, guys. Tara, pahinga muna tayo for a bit." Anang manager namin.

I was roaming my eyes around while we were on our way to the faculty room, hoping that I would see that teacher again. I'll find a way to talk to her in private to settle things out.

Pero bigo ako hanggang sa makarating na lang kami sa faculty room.

The teachers gave us some snacks and drinks while we were resting and waiting. Habang kumakain, iniisip ko pa rin kung paano ko siya mahahanap. This is a big university with lots of students and lots of professors and instructors for sure. Mahihirapan akong hanapin siya. But atleast, I know where she works now.

"CR lang ako." Paalam ko sa kanila.

"Alam mo ba kung saan?" Tanong ni ate Leah, our manager.

Tumango ako. "Nakita ko kanina nung papunta tayo dito. Malapit lang, diyan lang sa tabi ng isa pang faculty room. Wala naman masyadong dumadaan dito na estudyante."

I wore my hoodie first to hide my appearance. They were unsuspicious until I went out. Instead of going to the comfort room, I went to the other faculty room and tried peeking at the window to see if she's there. Wala naman akong makitang tao sa loob kahit bukas ang ilaw.

Nagmamadali akong tumalikod at umaktong normal na naglalakad nang may mapansin akong naka unipormeng guro na paparating. The picture of that teacher that I saw in the crowd earlier popped up in my mind. If I was right, it's her. Siya yung teacher na hinahanap ko.

Narinig ko ang kalansing ng mga susi na hawak niya, binubuksan niya ang pinto ng room. Mukhang mag isa lang siya doon ngayon, perhaps this is the right time to talk to her.

Mag isa kong sinimulan 'to kaya mag isa ko ring haharapin.

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